Midwest Winter Survival at Ohio State

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★ Top pick · if you only buy one thing

WinterTypically $100 to $200

Heavyweight winter parka

Worth spending more on this one

One real coat decides whether every winter walk on this campus is fine or miserable. It's the highest-stakes purchase in this hub.

Why it matters at Ohio State

Fashion jackets don't hold up here; a real insulated parka is what gets your student through long walks across OSU's sprawling campus in January winds.

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01.

Winter

6 picks

WinterUsually $25 to $45

Thermal base layer set

Warmth without the bulk

Why it matters at Ohio State

Layering under regular clothes adds warmth without bulk, which matters on early mornings when a heavy coat alone feels like too much for a warm lecture hall later.

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WinterTypically $50 to $100

Waterproof snow boots

Traction matters as much as warmth

Why it matters at Ohio State

Icy, slush-covered sidewalks and the Oval make proper snow boots a safety item for the coldest stretches; the same style is the daily-walk topPick in Getting Around Ohio State, so one good pair covers both.

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WinterUsually under $25

Insulated gloves and knit hat set

Keeps hands and ears warm on the walk

Why it matters at Ohio State

Hands and ears lose warmth fastest in cold wind, so a matching set makes the walk to early classes and CABS stops easier to handle.

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WinterUsually under $25 for a bulk box

Disposable hand warmers (bulk pack)

Cheap, instant warmth

Why it matters at Ohio State

For the coldest stretches, slip-in warmers give instant relief walking to 8 a.m. classes or tailgating late-season games.

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WinterUsually 15 to 25 dollars for a multi-pack

Wool or moisture-wicking sock pack

The layer boots alone can't fix

Why it matters at Ohio State

Wet, cold feet on the walk to class are miserable no matter how good the boots are, so a few pairs of wool or wicking socks keep feet dry through slush season.

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WinterUsually 15 to 30 dollars

Ice traction cleats for shoes

Cheap insurance against a fall on ice

Why it matters at Ohio State

Columbus sidewalks and the Oval ice over between storms, so slip-on traction cleats turn regular winter boots into safer footwear for the walk to class.

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02.

Health

1 pick

HealthUsually $25 to $45 either way

Compact humidifier or light therapy lamp

Supports mood through gray months

Why it matters at Ohio State

Indoor heat during Columbus winters dries out the air fast, and long gray stretches from December to March can affect mood, so this eases congestion and supports some daily light exposure.

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Just as important

What we’d skip

A curator who never says “don’t buy” isn’t curating. These are the things Ohio State makes unnecessary.

Expedition-grade arctic gear

Columbus is cold but not polar. A solid parka plus layers handles it without gear rated for 40 below.

Three mid-weight jackets

One quality parka with layers beats a closet of so-so coats, and a dorm closet can't hold three anyway.

Ice scraper and snow shovel

Campus crews clear the walkways, and a freshman without a car has nothing to scrape.

How we chose these 8

Every pick starts from Ohio State’s housing policies, residence halls, and climate. If we can’t explain an item in one sentence, it doesn’t make the list. No filler, no padding.

Read exactly how we build each list → · All Ohio State guides